Are you a student studying from home and being concerned about the PSAT exam? Can you take it, and how could it affect your academic success? If you have these questions on your mind, you are in the right place.
Here, you will learn everything you need about the PSAT for homeschoolers. As well as the reasons why you should not skip the test, how the exam can help you get the National Merit Scholarship, and what your PSAT preparation process should look like. Are you ready to dive in? Get ready because we are starting.
FAQ: What Is PSAT?
Most likely, you’ve heard about the SAT exam, but what does PSAT stand for? These tests are similar but still have some differences. Let’s discover what a homeschooler should know about this test.
What Does PSAT Consist of?
PSAT is the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test that American students can take each year starting from 8th grade. Its primary purpose is to prepare students for the SAT final exam, the results of which often affect college admission chances. In addition, those who perform excellently during the preliminary exam can get the National Merit Scholarship. Sounds like a rehearsal for adult life, doesn’t it?
The PSAT lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes, has one break, and consists of two sections: Reading and Writing and Math. Most of the questions are multiple-choice. Meanwhile, you might need to write the answer rather than choose it.
When Is the PSAT Exam?
PSAT 8/9 for 8th and 9th graders usually occurs mid-fall, October 1-31, while 10th graders may take it during March. It is up to the school to decide when to administer the exam within this time frame. How many times can you take this exam? The answer is simple: once a year, starting from grade 8.
How Is the PSAT Score Determined?
In each of the two sections of the PSAT10 or PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), you can score from 160 to 760 points. Therefore, the total score can range from 320 to 1520. The Writing and Reading and Math sections contribute equally to the final score. The average PSAT score is about 920. However, if you score between 1210 and 1520, you are a true genius and will be in the top 10% of test takers. Meanwhile, in PSAT8/9, the total score is 240-1440.
All You Need to Know About PSAT for Homeschoolers
Here are some questions homeschoolers may have about taking the SAT:
Should Homeschoolers Take the PSAT Exam?
The answer is “yes.” It is a great opportunity for homeschoolers to test their strengths and weaknesses before the final SAT exam. So, take our advice and don’t ignore the PSAT.
Where Do Homeschoolers Take the PSAT Exam?
Unfortunately, you can’t take the PSAT from home. The test must be administered at a local high school or an approved location. Your best option is to contact the principal or guidance counselor of the chosen school well before the test day. That way, you can arrange to take the PSAT at that school.
The PSAT has recently gone digital. You will have to use the Bluebook testing app for your exam. The application can be run on a Windows or Mac device, iPad, or Chromebook operated by the school. This means you can use the testing device owned by you or the school. Make sure your device can connect to Wi-Fi and is fully charged on test day.
How Can Homeschoolers Register for the PSAT?
Keep in mind that for PSAT registration, students usually use local schools instead of the College Board (like they do for the SAT). Here, we logically move to the following question: how can away students register? No worries, we made a short step-by-step guide to make your life easier:
- Use the student search service, for example, the College Board Search Tool, to find the available place for this test.
- Communicate with the staff at the chosen school, like the principal or guidance counselor. They can give you more information about test dates and other important updates.
- Provide personal information like:
- First and last name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Your status as a homeschooler
- Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) ID if you’re approved to test with accommodations.
How Can Away Students Check Their Test Results?
The test results are usually ready within two months. PSAT homeschool students have three ways to access their PSAT scores:
- Option #1. Ask your high school counselor to give you PSAT score reports.
- Option #2. Use your personal College Board account to find the test results.
- Option #3. Access the BigFuture School mobile app. You can do it by providing your cell phone number on test day. Afterward, you will receive instructions about installing and using this app.
Source: The College Board
4 Reasons Why PSAT Is Important for Homeschoolers
Okay, now you know that away students can also take the PSAT exam. But why you might need it? Is it worth your time and effort? Actually, yes, and let’s find out why.
Reason #1. A Great Chance to Practice Before the SAT
First, it’s an excellent chance to test yourself before the final SAT exam. Remember that PSAT doesn’t affect your college admission chances. Still, you should use it as a rehearsal of a full-length practice test.
Remember that you test your knowledge and skills while also going through the whole testing procedure. Why is it important? Because the actual SAT is a very stressful and comprehensive exam. Sometimes, even the smartest ones could get confused and lose priceless time. Thus, PSATs could make you mentally stronger before the final exam. You will know the rules, timings, atmosphere, and any limitations you might face. As a result, you’ll have a higher chance to succeed. Thus, take this opportunity as an advantage.
Reason #2. The Possibility to Get the National Merit Scholarship
Great PSAT performance opens doors for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. This is financial aid, whose mission is to recognize and honor academically talented students all over the US. Thus, a National Merit scholar is a very honorable title. Students must take the PSAT/NMSQT Merit scholarships qualifying test, usually in their junior year, to be eligible for scholarships and recognition within the program.
What are the benefits of this program? Well, you can get a monetary reward. The amount depends on the sponsor: a one-time payment of $2,500-5,000 or a renewable award of $1,000 to $10,000 annually. Anyway, it’s an excellent bonus for good grades. Students could use it as they wish, for example, to buy more educational materials or spend on a trip to visit their future college.
Reason #3. New Networks Creation
Socializing is important. And sometimes, students studying from home lack it. Thus, it might be harder for them to find new friends and build communication. PSAT helps to create new networks. Of course, you cannot communicate during the exam. But, by visiting local schools from time to time for standardized tests, homeschooled students also have a chance to make new friends.
Imagine you were a homeschooled student, and finally, excellent SAT scores let you enter Princeton University on the other side of the country. Here, you must communicate with students, teachers, tutors, roommates, or university administration. So, friendships with public school students could make your life easier this way.
Reason #4. Discovery of Your Strengths and Weaknesses
The PSAT score report gives you a better understanding of the strong sides and weak points. You should keep it in mind, especially if you are a homeschooled student. Sometimes, high schoolers have high expectations about their knowledge and ignore their weaknesses. The test could open your eyes and show the real level of knowledge. At the same time, homeschooled parents can better understand their kid’s academic achievements. So, use the results to test yourself, analyze them, and take action to improve your performance.
How to Show Great Performance at the PSAT: 5 Tips for Homeschoolers
Sometimes, homeschooled families face difficulties while preparing for standardized tests. Well, everyone is dreaming about better scores. We collected some helpful information for succeeding at your PSAT:
Tip #1. Create a Study Plan and Follow It
The first thing you should do is create a study plan. In public schools, students have a strict program they need to follow. Still, sometimes, learning from home could be more challenging. Why? Day by day, you have access to a smartphone, TV series, a comfortable space for the rest, and other fun things that are forbidden at school. Thus, you might lose your focus from time to time, especially when you are studying a boring topic.
That is why creating a plan is essential. Thus, you organize your work, plan time for rest, and follow deadlines. Planning and time management are valuable skills for higher education and college life. Thus, do not neglect planning because it could help you achieve a higher percentile score.
Tip #2. Use Specialized Textbooks
Use educational materials. There are a lot of textbooks for preparing for standardized tests. For example:
- PSAT 10 Prep 2023 and 2024: PSAT 10 Prep Book with 3 Practice Tests by Joshua Rueda
- PSAT 10 Prep Book 2023 and 2024 – 2 Full-Length Practice Tests, Secrets Study Guide for the College Board PSAT 10 with Step-by-Step Math and Reading V by Matthew Bowling
- Strategies and Practice for the PSAT/NMSQT (Barron’s Test Prep) by Brian W. Stewart
Here are only a few examples, and you will find much more. Still, remember to check the reviews. Why should you use textbooks like these? They contain theory, practical tests, and useful tricks and tips – everything you need.
Tip #3. Practice as Much as You Can
Remember that the PSAT is like a good firsthand practice to achieve higher SAT scores in the future. But even a training test requires a lot of practice. Put in as much effort as you can while studying comprehensive topics. Some students get confused about the Math section, while others struggle with writing tasks.
Remember to analyze your previous errors. This activity could boost your knowledge and experience. Do not just remember the correct answer; understand it. As a homeschooled PSAT student, you can use online testing prep sources and specialized prep books. Regular practice always brings rewards.
Tip #4. Ask for Help
Source: Pexels
Sometimes, it’s difficult to study on your own. When you face issues, the best way is to ask for help from someone else. It could be anyone who has enough knowledge to help you: older siblings, parents, friends, and so on.
Still, the best way is to ask for advice from professionals. If you are preparing to take the PSAT, especially if you are considering the National Merit Scholarship Competition, it’s better to work together with a tutor. Luckily, today, there are a lot of qualified online platforms for studying. Thus, you could find a teacher who will support you during the entire preparation process.
Tip #5. Check Video Tutorials
In addition to all the options, homeschooled students might subscribe to educational YouTube channels. Why is this a good idea?
- First of all, you have a chance to get extra info that could be missing in traditional school programs.
- Secondly, such channels often provide some useful tips and tricks for studying.
So, it’s time to open YouTube. If you are in doubt about what to choose, you can ask for advice from your tutor.
Conclusion
That’s it. Now, you know that taking the PSAT is not too hard for homeschooled students. Moreover, you can get into the National Merit Scholarship Program. Just keep in mind that the PSAT is a good chance to test yourself before the SAT. Thus, even if you are studying from home, do not lose an opportunity to practice.
